Backstrom, 25, hadn't played since Dec. 26 with his KHL team, when he was checked head-first into the boards. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise, but it lingered enough for Backstrom, an All-Star with a $67 million contract, to visit Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, head of the University of Michigan's Neurosport program.

Everything checked out, which is good news for Backstrom and his team. He missed about half of the 2011-12 season with a concussion, and the Capitals' group of centers, despite the addition of Mike Ribeiro, would deeply struggle to make things work without him.

In any case, it looks like they won't have to worry about that.

"Nothing serious," Backstrom said. "Feels good to be back here and practice on ice again."